New Federal Bill Seeks to Treat Energy Infrastructure as National Security Infrastructure

California's energy isolation has become more than just an economic problem; it is increasingly being viewed as a national security vulnerability. This week, Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced legislation that would fundamentally change how critical interstate oil and natural gas pipelines are approved when America's military and strategic infrastructure depend upon reliable fuel supplies.

The National Security Interstate Pipeline Act (H.R. 9838) would allow the president to designate certain interstate pipeline projects as critical to the national security of the United States. Once designated, those projects would receive expedited review under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with permit decisions required within 180 days. The legislation would also preempt state and local permitting requirements that could otherwise delay or block construction, while legal challenges would be heard directly by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Congressman Calvert introduced the legislation with several California and national coauthors, including Representatives Vince Fong (CA-20), David Valadao (CA-22), Darrell Issa (CA-48), James Gallagher (CA-1), Nathaniel Moran (TX-1), Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), and Dale Strong (AL-5).

For decades, California has operated as an "energy island." Unlike most of the continental United States, California has no interstate crude oil pipeline connecting it to domestic oil-producing regions such as Texas, New Mexico, North Dakota, or the Rocky Mountains. Instead, the state increasingly relies on foreign crude arriving by ocean-going tanker.

According to information released with the legislation:

• California oil production has fallen to approximately 257,000 barrels per day, less than one-quarter of 1985 production.

• Foreign imports supplied 63% of California refinery crude in 2024, an all-time high.

• California-produced oil supplied only 23% of refinery demand, an historic low.

• Refining capacity has declined by roughly 30% over the past five years following multiple refinery closures.

• California leads the nation in jet fuel consumption, supporting numerous military bases and strategic defense installations.

While California policymakers often frame energy policy primarily through climate objectives, H.R. 9838 reframes the discussion around military readiness, domestic supply chains, and infrastructure resilience.

Supporters argue that energy should be viewed much like highways, ports, railroads, and the electric grid: critical infrastructure that must remain reliable regardless of political changes or regional policy differences.

Whether Congress ultimately advances the bill remains to be seen, but it represents one of the strongest federal proposals yet to address California's growing dependence on imported crude oil by strengthening connections to America's own energy-producing regions.

For years, CIPA has argued that California's declining domestic production has consequences extending well beyond fuel prices. Every barrel not produced responsibly in California must be replaced by oil transported hundreds or thousands of miles from foreign countries or other jurisdictions.